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Mariners Re-Sign Ichiro to 5-Year Deal

Posted on: Friday, 13 July 2007, 15:05 CDT

By GREGG BELL

SEATTLE - Great week to be Ichiro Suzuki. The Seattle leadoff man re-signed with the Mariners for five more seasons on Friday, three days after he was the unanimous selection for MVP of the All-Star game.

Terms were not immediately known. But the speedy, seven-time All-Star and perennial Gold Glove outfielder reportedly could earn up to $100 million in what would be the richest contract in Mariners history.

The deal ensures Seattle, enjoying its best season in four years, will not lose its franchise cornerstone to free agency this fall. Instead, the Mariners will have him under contract until age 39.

Suzuki led the majors with 128 hits going into Friday night's game against Detroit. He was batting .355 with five home runs and 39 RBIs, and had stolen 23 bases.

"The one thing we have made clear since spring training was that it was our goal to have Ichiro play his entire career in Seattle, retire as a Mariner and go into the Hall of Fame in our cap," Mariners general manager Bill Bavasi said.

"While I don't believe this is Ichiro's final contract, I do think today's signing is a big step in assuring he will spend his entire career here in Seattle," he said. "He is both an offensive force, and a Gold Glove outfielder. It is great news for our organization and our fans that he will be here in Seattle for another five years."

Source: Associated Press/AP Online

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